Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment And Prevention - Dr Sunil R Chopade

Written by Dr Sunil R Chopade Published On 2024-01-17T18:01:47+05:30 | Updated On 20 Feb 2024 11:29 AM IST

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment And Prevention - Dr Sunil R Chopade

In January, as the world observes Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Sunil R Chopade sheds light on the importance of understanding, preventing, and screening for cervical cancer. The theme for this year, 2024, revolves around the mantra "Learn, Prevent, Screen."

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in females worldwide according to GLOBOCAN 2020 data. It is one of the most prevalent cancers in the females in India, being the leading cause of cancer deaths. Almost 70-80 % of this is caused by Human Papilloma Virus, a sexually transmitted infection.

The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus (where a baby grows during pregnancy). It looks a little bit like a donut and connects the uterus to the opening of the vagina. Cervical cancer happens when normal cells of cervix turns into precancerous cells. Cervical cancer can begin at the age of 25 and can happen thereafter 40-50 being common age.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Almost all cases of cervical cancer result from HPV, transmitted through sexual contact. Practices such as early onset sexual activities, having multiple sexual partners, poor hygiene, low immunity due to illnesses like HIV, excessive smoking, and obesity pose as risk factors. Not receiving the HPV vaccination is a common cause for the increasing risk of cervical cancer.

Symptoms and Signs

Vaginal bleeding between periods
Menstrual bleeding longer or heavier than usual
Pain during intercourse
Bleeding after intercourse
Pelvic pain
Change in vaginal discharge (more, strong odour, unusual colour)
Vaginal bleeding after menopause

Females experiencing these symptoms should consult doctors and undergo necessary tests as advised.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves examining cervical tissue, with cytology and PAP smear helping detect precancerous and cancerous cells. Biopsy, CT scan, MRI, and PETCT scans determine tumour size, extent, and spread.

Treatment

Treatment varies based on tumour stage. Early-stage cancer may be cured with surgery or chemo-radiotherapy. Advanced-stage patients receive chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, focusing on symptom control and life prolongation.

Prevention

Prevention methods include community education on safe sexual practices, smoking cessation, cancer screening, and HPV vaccination. Cervical cancer screening through PAP smear and HPV testing reduces the risk significantly. The WHO recommends a PAP smear every five years for women starting at age 25 and at least one adequate smear per lifetime for women over 35.

HPV Prevention

Safe sexual practices, using barrier methods like condoms, and regular PAP smear testing can prevent HPV transmission. HPV vaccines like Gardasil, Cervarix, and Nonavalent HPV are available. Vaccination is recommended for girls aged 9-14 (2 doses) and those aged 16 and in reproductive age (3 doses).

Government health institutions actively work to create awareness about HPV vaccination, its availability, and implementation.

In conclusion, Dr. Sunil R Chopade urges individuals to learn about cervical cancer, prevent it through early HPV vaccination, and undergo regular screening, particularly during the reproductive age, to combat this battle against cervical cancer.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.

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Dr Sunil R Chopade

Dr Sunil R Chopade (MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO) is a Consultant Medical Oncologist & Cancer Specialist at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai having over 8 years of experience in the field of Medical Oncology. He specialises in Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Head and neck cancers, Ovarian cancers, Urological cancers, Gastrointestinal cancer, Blood Cancers - Lymphomas, Multiple myeloma, Leukaemia, Precision Oncology, Chemotherapy, Biological therapy - Molecular targeted therapy, Immunotherapy, Stem cell transplant therapy.